Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, September 6 , 2023 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Sheri Marwede, Patrick Michalski, Krystina O’Toole, Zachary Overman, Sue Rhoten, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis and Lisa Stout Members Absent: Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, Barbara Chudzik, Wendy Popko and Elizabeth Vincent Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo, Community Relations Specialist Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. Sue Rhoten, newest members of the commission, introduced herself. She has lived in Sterling Heights most of her life, is a retired schools teach from Armada High and enjoys painting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the minutes of the May 2, 2023 Arts Commission meeting; motion made by O’Toole; Seconded by: Michalski Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS : A. Sterlingfest  Giallombardo stated that there were a total of 113 artists, and 9 kid artists, with 3 last minute cancellations. She added that she visited each artist to get feedback. Several artists complained about the hot temperatures, a few said that they didn’t make as many sales as in prior years. She added that a handful of artists wanted shorter hours; but other artists stated that they need the longer hours to make after-work sales. Giallombardo thanked members that volunteered and voted for their favorite artists. Giallombardo stated that Frank Blowers (Frank David Art) received Best Artist, and Melissa Woods (Funky Jewelry) received 2nd place.  Commission members provided feedback, as follows: o TJ’s Gift Shop items, were items purchased off Amazon? Giallombardo stated she spoke with the artist, he said that several of his family members are woodworkers, and it’s a family business. She added that she has no way to prove that items were purchased in bulk unless someone does the research to prove otherwise, and stated that without proof, she will not deny an application. o Lost in Sound had “buy/sell” items, and was rude to customers. Giallombardo agreed. o One of the kid artists had items that weren’t handmade. o LOL Designs cannot sell etched/hieroglyphic mirrors. o Alternative, sells blankets that are possibly not originals, artist was rude. o Schabath-Lewis would like to be on-site as artists are checking in and setting up, Giallombardo stated that the reason for jurying is to try to avoid these issues, and added that when members visit the booths, they should be writing down specifics so the city and the commission can accurately handle the issues.  o O-Toole stated that it’s not right that artists with buy/sell items get away with paying the same fee at artists that make their own art. o Popko suggested adding another art fair around Christmas, on an ‘invite only’ basis, at no charge to the artists, and charge a small admission fee. Members suggested having it inside the Community Center the day of Sterling Christmas. Giallombardo stated that she would reach out to Kyle Langlois, but didn’t think it could happen on the same day of Sterling Christmas, due to staffing issues. o Marwede suggested an “Art in the Park” event on a different weekend. o Members asked to have the opportunity to review the Sterlingfest application and suggest changes, Giallombardo said that she would bring copies of the application to the October meeting so that everyone can have a couple of months to read it over. She added that amended pricing would have to be approved by the city’s Finance department during the budget process, Community Relations does not set the pricing. o Michalski suggested asking for higher resolution photos from the artists. o Giallombardo suggested spending more time with the jurying process, possibly breaking it down into two meetings so that members take more time to look at the slides without feeling rushed. B. 2023-2024 Meeting Calendar  Giallombardo distributed the proposed calendar of meeting dates for the next year. There were no changes, approved as is. C. Public Art Updates  Giallombardo stated that she is still working with the management team at the Zap Zone location, but they are not being very responsive. She said that she made contact with an owner of the building, who is very interested. She sent additional designs and will keep everyone posted.  Giallombardo stated that she met with a couple that spear-headed the fundraising for a Veterans Memorial in Clinton Township. There have been several requests for a memorial that honors those that fought and/or gave their lives during Desert Storm and other conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, etc. Giallombardo will work with Melanie and get quotes, the expense will likely come out of the public art fund. OLD BUSINESS:  None NEW BUSINESS :  Giallombardo stated that Phil Gilchrist will attend the October meeting to discuss his plans for the Artstravaganza, to take place at Anton Art Center on February 22, 2024. Popko stated that she is working on the t-shirt design which will highlight all forms of art.  Schabath-Lewis presented several ideas for public art, hoping to expand public art beyond City Center : o Spring Fling, artists would paint fiberglass bees that would be on display at local businesses, on a sponsorship basis. o Snowman stroll, artists would design a snowman for display throughout December.  o Install median strip art (sculptures). o Free standing murals o Additional sculptures at the Nature Center and dog park  Schabath-Lewis shared that Popko officially has a painting in the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The painting is of the first two pages of her book, “Meet the Pets: Presidential Animals from A to Z.”  Popko shared that she is the first recipient of a First State Bank sponsorship to participate in this year’s Leadership Macomb program.  Popko announced that she is working on a new mural in Detroit, on Dexter.  Schabath-Lewis shared that she nominated Barb Chudzik’s company, Fusion Fabricating & Mfg. for a Connect Macomb Edge Award. The Edge Awards will be announced at the State of the City breakfast on Sept. 22. NEXT ART S COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday , Oct. 3, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.